Go FIT for greater flexibility

The dynamic demands of the corporate world have changed our leisure travel patterns. AirAsia and the rising number of affordable fares by full-service airlines have also made individual (FIT) and free and easy travel plans more compelling in recent years.

Before the advent of the more flexible and customised FIT packages, many travelers are bound by many restrictions in the all-inclusive and group tours. There are no guaranteed departures on the chosen dates. It is not uncommon for travel agents to give a 11th hour notice cancellation due to the lack of a minimum group departure.

More often than not, confirmed departures are only available during peak seasons, including the school holidays and festive seasons. Be prepared to pay a premium during the Chinese New Year or Hari Raya holidays.

Group packages are unlikely to be attractive to repeat visitors and are deemed less flexible – predictable and specific itineraries with average meals and hotels – numerous compulsory shopping stops (especially China) and obviously more hectic. The list is near endless and needless to say, travelling in bigger groups can be a real hassle during the hotel check-in, meals and possible encounters with unreasonable and demanding travelers in the group.

It will also be more rewarding to plan your own travel and book your air tickets in advance with better air fare bargains from budget as well as full-service airlines.

While the perceived hassle-free group tour packages have remained the core offerings by the local travel agencies, Malaysians are spoilt for choice when it comes to free and easy and ground packages. For major cities in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, it pays to opt for either flexible plan, given the cities’ excellent public transportation system and infrastructure.

Above all, you can choose the desired budget with the wide ranging choice of budget, tourist and deluxe class of hotels. You can naturally travel at your own pace and be more adventurous during meal times.

Apart from AirAsiaGo, established travel agencies with regular website updates and comprehensive details of their FIT packages and promotions include 12Fly (Malaysian Harmony), Apple Flexi Holiday, Holiday Tours, Mayflower, Parlo Tours, Pearl Holiday, PYO Travel and Travelbiz.